Comprehensive Stool Analysis/Parasitology (CSAP)

Test Indications:

Test Summary:

Full comprehensive test that includes all other stool analysis tests minus the H pylori, C. Difficile and Enterohemorrhagic E. Coli tests (these can be added on as required)

Assesses digestive, absorptive functions and the presence of pathogenic and opportunistic pathogens

Testing for Unwanted Organisms

The comprehensive stool analysis with parasitology is an invaluable, non-invasive diagnostic assessment that permits the naturopathic doctor to objectively evaluate the status of beneficial and imbalanced bacteria, pathogenic bacteria, yeast, fungus and parasites. Precise identification of pathogenic species and susceptibility testing greatly facilitates the selection of the most appropriate treatment.

Testing for Proper Digestive and Absorption

Important information regarding the efficiency of digestion and absorption can be gleaned from the measurement of the fecal levels of elastase (pancreatic exocrine sufficiency), muscle and vegetable fibers, carbohydrates, and steatocrit (% total fat in the stool). Cornerstones of good health include proper digestion of food, assimilation of nutrients, exclusion of pathogens and timely elimination of waste. To obtain benefits from food that is consumed, nutrients must be appropriately digested and then efficiently absorbed into portal circulation. Microbes, larger sized particles of fiber, and undigested foodstuffs should remain within the intestinal lumen. Poor digestion and malabsorption of vital nutrients can contribute to degenerative diseases, compromised immune status, and nutritional deficiencies. If the bowel becomes inflamed the cells begin to swell causing separation. This impairs specific nutrient uptake processes and compromises the GI barrier function (as in “leaky gut syndrome”) which result from a number of causes including: low gastric acid production, chronic maldigestion, food allergen impact on bowel absorptive surfaces, bacterial overgrowth or imbalances (dysbiosis); pathogenic bacteria, yeast or parasites and related toxic irritants, and the use of drugs (like NSAIDs) and antibiotics. Impairment of intestinal functions can contribute to the development of food allergies, illnesses, autoimmune disease, and toxic overload from substances that are usually kept in the bowel for elimination.

Testing for Gastrointestinal Inflammation

Inflammation can significantly increase intestinal permeability and compromise assimilation of nutrients. The extent of inflammation, whether caused by pathogens or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), can be assessed and monitored by examination of the levels of biomarkers such as lysozyme, lactoferrin, white blood cells and mucus. These markers can be used to differentiate between inflammation associated with potentially life threatening inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which requires life long treatment, and less severe inflammation that can be associated with the presence of bacterial pathogens. Lactoferrin is only markedly elevated prior to and during the active phases of IBD, but not with IBS. Monitoring fecal lactoferrin levels in patients with IBD can therefore facilitate timely treatment of IBD, and the test can be ordered separately. Since the vast majority of secretory IgA (sIgA) is normally present in the GI tract where it prevents binding of pathogens and antigens to the mucosal membrane, it is essential to know the status of sIgA in the gut. Secretory IgA is the only marker of humoral immune status in the GI tract.

Parasite Profile

Parasites are transmitted through contaminated food and water. Parasites are prevalent today because of increased world travel. For those who have ever picked up a foreign parasite, you know that you can be ill for a very long time. With the knowledge that a foreign parasite is living in your system, we can then work towards removing the organism and boost your immune system.
Complete Digestive Stool Analysis

Yeast Cultures Analysis

Stool testing can be done to determine the type of yeast cultures you have. With these results, we can recommend natural products that can combat this persistent condition.